Why Patagonia and Supreme
Patagonia is a brand that we at Supreme are proud to sport on the mountain. Since the beginning, they’ve embraced their environmental and social responsibility with inspirational ease, all whilst providing us with smart, reliable gear. From the company itself to the manufacturing and finished product, here are five reasons we love Patagonia:
Their origins
Patagonia was founded by Yvon Chouinard — an environmentalist, rock climber, kayaker and surfer. This brand was made FOR the people, BY the people. Chouinard is a hero among environmentalists and since 1985, Patagonia has pledged to donate 1% of their sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment.
The materials
Most Patagonia products are made from recycled materials or organic cotton. They have been turning plastic bottles into polyester for nearly 30 years and are the “first outdoor clothing manufacturer to transform trash into fleece.” Around 70% of Patagonia’s products are currently made from recycled materials, and their goal is to hit 100% by 2025.
Social and environmental impact
Sustainability and responsibility is at the centre of the Patagonia ethos. With fast fashion becoming a serious environmental problem, not only do they use recycled materials, but they are happy to reject consumerism. Patagonia offers high quality, long-lasting products that people will only need to buy once. Chouinard even goes by the motto “don’t buy what you don’t need” — a refreshing view from a clothing brand founder.
As well as environmental, social responsibility is at the forefront. Patagonia doesn’t own any of the factories that make their products, so have a limited say on what wages the workers receive. But to ensure workers are in a safe, fair, legal and humane environment, 83% of Patagonia’s line is certified with a Fair Trade label.
Their mission
Patagonia’s mission statement was, until last year, “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” Now it has been changed from a purpose/product hybrid into their simple purpose: “Patagonia is in business to save our home planet.” And right now, there’s nothing more important. Save our planet — save our winters!
You never need to throw away an item!
If your Patagonia item needs fixing, you can drop by a Patagonia store to get it repaired — free of charge! They even offer DIY repair and care guides so you can learn how to keep your favourites in play. But if you feel like it really is the end of the road for your item, take in your used gear and they will give to credit to put towards a brand-new item. Never throw it away — there is always an option.
Change of Ownerships
Click the link below for info on Patagonia’s new ownership.
Earth is now our only shareholder.
If we have any hope of a thriving planet — much less a business — it is going to take all of us doing what we can with the resources we have.
This is what we can do.
By Yvon Chouinard
https://www.patagonia.com/ownership/
Book a lesson with us to see our Patagonia gear in action this winter. For more information please contact us at info@supremeski.com or phone +44 (0)203 744 1655
